The Chinese are known for a good amount of “luck talk”—the practice of attributing superstition to certain words and phrases—during Lunar New Year, a tradition believed may herald good Why do we give 2 oranges during Chinese New Year? A traditional gift during Chinese New Year is the exchanging of a pair of mandarin oranges and the giving of red packet containing an even amount of money. Unmarried adults and children receive these red packets from married family members and friends in exchange of wishing them good health and Also regarded as chap goh mei, the last night (15th day) of Chinese New Year is also regarded as Chinese Valentine’s Day8. This is where courtship and the possibility of romance hangs in the air. Mandarin oranges are sweet (酸酸甜甜; suān suān tián tián) — with a tinge of sourness— just like love (的爱情; dí ài qíng)! Originating from Southern China, the tradition of giving mandarin oranges is known as “song gam” in Cantonese. Coincidentally, it also means “giving gold”, which the luck-obsessed Chinese have used as a symbol of conferring prosperity and well wishes to the recipient. Why do we eat mandarin oranges during Chinese New Year? Oranges and Other Citrus [] Among the many symbolic features carved out to usher in the New Year include the provision of ever plump and sweet mandarin oranges. Feasted on unquestionably, we can expect mandarin oranges to be one of the primary snacks we have at home, at school, or even in open houses we visit for the season. The Chinese love citrus fruits as much as they love word play, puns and especially homonyms—words that sound like other words. Because the Chinese word for tangerine sounds like "luck" and the word for orange sounds like "wealth," the fruits are prized both for table display and gift giving during Chinese New Year. Illustrations of mandarin oranges may even replace the first character on fai chun sheets (fai 1 ceon 1 揮春), which are decorations pasted on and around doorways during the Chinese New Year period. It’s also traditional for older generations to give mandarin oranges to children, and for families and friends to bring them to each other’s The Symbolism of Mandarin Orange in Chinese New Year . Similar to red envelopes, the inclusion of mandarin orange in Chinese New Year is due to its historical significance. As the shape of a small citrus fruit resembles the sun, the mandarin orange in Chinese New Year is a manifestation of the hopeful wish to gain abundance and happiness. Let's delve into the numbers, particularly the surge in “dragon babies”. In 2024, during the Year of the Dragon, China witnessed a 5.7% year-on-year increase in births, with South Korea seeing a 3% rise. These spikes are noteworthy, considering both nations are grappling with declining birth rates. SINGAPORE - A hallmark of Chinese New Year, the sight of mandarin oranges each year signals that the festive season has officially begun. In Cantonese, to gift mandarin oranges is to “song gam Oranges and Other Citrus Oranges, kumquats, tangerines and pomelos are common Chinese New Year gifts because they’re believed to bring good luck and happiness. The Chinese words for “orange” and “tangerine” closely resemble the words for “luck” and “wealth.” The gold color of these fruits also symbolizes prosperity. Why do we give oranges on Chinese Read More »Do You Give Why do we eat oranges during Chinese New Year? As Chinese New Year draws closer bring ing the whole community to life as we join in ushering in good health and a renewed sense of thriving together , it is a known fact too that the Asian culture itself are surrounded by plenty of symbolism. Exchanging Mandarin oranges is a must during Chinese New Year. Originating from Southern China, the tradition of giving mandarin oranges is known as “song gam” in Cantonese. Why do we give 2 oranges during Chinese New Year? A traditional gift during Chinese New Year is the exchanging of a pair of mandarin oranges and the giving of red The Many Symbols of the Chinese New Year. Chinese culture is rich with symbolism. This is especially so during the Chinese New Year celebration, which is associated with many symbols and customs. Certain colors, fruits, flowers, animals, actions, and sounds are examples of things that have special symbolic meaning. Why do we give mandarin oranges during Chinese New Year? Originating from Southern China, the tradition of giving mandarin oranges is known as “song gam” in Cantonese. Coincidentally, it also means “giving gold”, which the luck-obsessed Chinese have used as a symbol of conferring prosperity and well wishes to the recipient. Why do we eat mandarin oranges during Chinese New Year? Originating from Southern China, the tradition of giving mandarin oranges is known as “song gam” in Cantonese. Coincidentally, it also means “giving gold”, which the luck-obsessed Chinese have used as a symbol of conferring prosperity and well wishes to the recipient . During Chinese New Year, tangerines and oranges are displayed as decorations and are also exchanged among friends and acquaintances. What do oranges symbolize? Like many fruits, the orange has become predominantly a symbol of fertility ; if it is depicted in Paradise, it is the fruit of the Fall, occasionally replacing the APPLE as the Why do people exchange mandarin oranges at Chinese New Year? Mandarin oranges have always been regarded as a symbol of good fortune, and it’s not just because of their auspicious hue. Originating from Southern China, the traditional act of giving someone mandarin oranges during Chinese New Year symbolises well-wishes and blessing one with Yusheng is a popular dish to served during Chinese New Year. It is a Cantonese-style raw fish salad mixed with colorful shredded vegetables and pickles served with variety of sauces, nuts and herbs. Yusheng is a symbol of abundance, prosperity and vitality. twomeows/Getty Images. As the second new moon after the winter solstice approaches, between late January to mid-February, millions of During the New Year season, it is a common sight to see a sea of red. With vibrant clothing, scarlet packets, and crimson lanterns and banners with touches of gold accents, red is undoubtedly the
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